Dual Mode Communication Systems And Methods

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of dual mode communication systems and methods are disclosed. On system embodiment, among others, comprises logic configured to perform spatial multiplexing and expanded bandwidth signaling to data.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of copending U.S. provisional application having Ser. No. 60/561,877, filed Apr. 14, 2004, which is entirely incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present disclosure is generally related to communication systems, and, more particularly, is related to wireless communication systems and methods.

2. Related Art

Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication such as voice, data, and so on. These systems may be based on code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), orthogonal frequency division multiplex (OFDM), or some other multiplexing techniques. OFDM systems may provide high performance for some channel environments. FIG. 1A is a block diagram that illustrates an exemplary single-in, single-out (SISO) orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) communication system 100 (herein, SISO system 100) that is compliant with IEEE 802.11 standards. The SISO system 100 comprises a transmitter device 102 and a receiver device 104. The transmitter device 102 comprises a transmit (TX) processor 106, radio circuitry 108, and antenna 110. The receiver device 104 comprises an antenna 112, radio circuitry 114, and receive (RX) processor 116.

The transmitter device 102 comprises well-known circuitry that divides the high-speed data signals into tens or hundreds of lower speed signals and transmits the signals in parallel over respective frequencies within a radio frequency (RF) signal that comprise subcarrier frequencies (“subcarriers”). The frequency spectra of the sub-carriers overlap so that the spacing between them is minimized. The subcarriers are also orthogonal to each other so that they are statistically independent and do not create cross-talk or otherwise interfere with each other. In operation, the transmit processor 106 receives data signals (designated as TX data1 at a defined data rate designated as TX Ratel). The transmit processor 106 encodes and interleaves the data and maps the interleaved data into respective subcarrier channels as frequency domain symbols. Further processing by the transmit processor 106 may result in the insertion of training signals, cyclic extensions (e.g., guard intervals), and additional processing such as inverse fast Fourier transformations (IFFT) and wave shaping. The processed subcarriers are provided to the radio circuitry 108, which provides filtering, modulation, amplification, and upconversion functionality, ultimately resulting in the transmission of data from antenna 110.

At the receiver device 104, the antenna 112 receives the transmitted data, which is provided to radio circuitry 114 to complement the processing that occurred at radio circuitry 108. The data is then provided to receive (RX) processor 116, which provides clock recovery, cyclic extension removal, transformations (e.g., fast Fourier transformation, FFT), demapping, deinterleaving, and decoding to recover the TX data1 as RX data1. Radio circuitry 108 and 114 comprise synthesizers that operate at a single reference or carrier frequency (designated FREQ1).

FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram that illustrates spectrums of the signals processed in the SISO system 100. In 802.11 standards, each OFDM symbol 118 provided by the transmitter device 102 comprises 52 subcarriers (partially shown for brevity) centered at a defined reference or carrier frequency (designated in FIGS. 1A and 1B as FREQ1), with a bandwidth (BW) of approximately 20 mega-Hertz (MHz). The spectrum 120 resulting from processing at the receiver device 104 is centered at the same reference or carrier frequency (FREQ1). Transmitter and receiver devices that implement OFDM processing pursuant to pre-proposed 802.11n standard are often referred to as legacy radios or legacy devices.

In terrestrial communication systems (e.g., a cellular system, a broadcast system, a multi-channel multi-point distribution system (MMDS), among others), a RF modulated signal from a transmitter device may reach a receiver device via a number of transmission paths. The characteristics of the transmission paths typically vary over time due to a number of factors such as fading and multi-path. To provide diversity against deleterious path effects and improve performance, multiple transmit and receive antennas may be used for data transmission. Spatial multiplexing refers to a technique where a transmission channel is divided into multiple “spatial channels” through which independent streams can be transmitted and received via multiple transmit and receive antennas, respectively.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram that illustrates a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) OFDM communication system 200 (herein, MIMO system 200). The MIMO system 200 employs multiple transmit antennas and multiple receive antennas for data transmission. Through spatial multiplexing, a MIMO channel formed by the transmit and receive antennas may be decomposed into independent channels. Each of the independent channels is also referred to as a spatial subchannel of the MIMO channel. The MIMO system 200 comprises a transmitter device 202 and receiver device 204. The transmitter device 202 comprises transmit (TX) processors 206 and 212, radio circuitry 208 and 214, and antennas 210 and 216. The radio circuitry 208 and 214 comprise synthesizers that operate at a single reference or carrier frequency (designated FREQ1). The receiver device 204 comprises antennas 218 and 226, radio circuitry 220 and 228 (also comprising synthesizers that operate at a single reference or carrier frequency, FREQ1), a signal separator 222 (e.g., joint interference canceller), and receive (RX) processors 224 and 230. The transmit processors 206 and 212 and the radio circuitry 208 and 214 comprise similar circuitry to that found in and described for transmit processor 106 (FIG. 1A), with the addition of circuitry for implementing spatial multiplexing. The radio circuitry 220 and 228 and receive processors 224 and 230 also share common circuitry with like components shown in and described for receiver device 104 (FIG. 1A). The signal separator 222 is configured to remove interference caused by multiple transmit signals occupying the same bandwidth at the receive antennas 218 and 226, and thus are used to increase the data rate.

FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram that illustrates spectrums of the signals processed in the MIMO system 200. As shown, the OFDM symbols 232 and 234 are comprised of subcarriers centered at the same reference or carrier frequency (FREQ1), each with a bandwidth (BW) of approximately 20 MHz. The spectrum 236 resulting from processing at the receiver device 204 is centered at the same frequency (FREQ1).

Consumers continue to demand higher data rates. Current proposals to a proposed IEEE standard, 802.11n, are at least partially in response to these demands. In the competitive communications industry, designers are challenged to meet these new standards in cost effective ways.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of dual mode communication systems and methods are disclosed. One system embodiment, among others, comprises logic configured to perform spatial multiplexing and expanded bandwidth signaling to data.

One method embodiment, among others, comprises providing spatial multiplexing and expanded bandwidth signaling for a plurality of data, and transmitting the plurality of data from a first transmit antenna and a second transmit antenna.

Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the disclosed systems and methods will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description and be within the scope of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the disclosed systems and methods can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the disclosed systems and methods. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIG. 1A is a block diagram that illustrates an exemplary single-in, single-out (SISO) orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) communication system.

FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram that illustrates spectrums of the signals processed in the SISO OFDM communication system shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram that illustrates a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) OFDM communication system.

FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram that illustrates spectrums of the signals processed in the MEMO OFDM communication system shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A is a block diagram that illustrates an embodiment of a bandwidth expansion and spatial multiplexing (BES) system.

FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram that illustrates an exemplary spectrum of the BES system shown in FIG. 3A.

FIGS. 3C-3D are schematic diagrams that illustrate exemplary adjacent and non-adjacent spectrums of the BES system shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram that illustrates fourth order spatial multiplexing and first order expanded bandwidth as implemented by an embodiment of a BES system.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram that illustrates second order spatial multiplexing and second order expanded bandwidth as implemented by an embodiment of a BES system.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram that illustrates first order spatial multiplexing and fourth order expanded bandwidth as implemented by an embodiment of a BES system.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram that illustrates a BES method embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed are various embodiments of bandwidth expansion and spatial multiplexing systems and methods, herein referred to as a BES system. Such embodiments of the BES system comprise a dual-use or dual mode architecture that provides for expanded bandwidth signaling that can also be utilized for multiple-input, multiple output (MIMO) spatial multiplexing. In other words, one embodiment of the BES system provides for an architecture where the same or similar hardware is largely reused for MIMO spatial multiplexing and/or expanded bandwidth signaling. MIMO spatial multiplexing can be viewed as stacking multiple channels on top of each other in the frequency domain. Expanded bandwidth techniques can be viewed as stacking multiple channels next to each other in the frequency domain. Each signaling case (MIMO spatial multiplexing and expanded bandwidth) can be viewed as duals of each other.

In this regard, the term “dual” refers to something that has a double character or nature. “Dualism” refers to a quality of state of having a dual nature. In the disclosed embodiments, the dual nature of a transceiver is exploited by tuning to a defined frequency (spatial multiplexing) or different frequency (bandwidth expansion). Such techniques can increase the data rate by spatial multiplexing (use of multiple transmit/receive chains with antennas in a multi-path environment and a signal separator in the receiver device), while enabling reuse of the same architecture as a bandwidth expansion radio device if the synthesizers of the respective transmit/receive chains are tuned to different, non-overlapping frequencies rather than the same frequency. For example, on the receiver end, a signal separator is implemented in spatial multiplexing, whereas in bandwidth expansion, a signal separator is not needed and the receive filters of a receiver device are tuned to the distinct frequencies. By providing the ability to operate in either or both configurations using the same architecture, demand for increased data rates can be fulfilled using legacy radios or devices in a cost effective manner.

Although described in the context of an OFDM system, it should be understood that embodiments of the BES system 300 may be implemented using non-OFDM signaling methods, such as code division multiple access (CDMA), global system for mobile communications (GSM) in cellular communications, among other techniques and communication environments.

FIG. 3A is a block diagram that illustrates an embodiment of BES system 300. The BES system 300 may also be referred to as a dual mode communication system. In one embodiment, the BES system 300 comprises a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) communication system that implements bandwidth expansion and/or spatial multiplexing. The BES system 300 comprises a transmitter device 302 and a receiver device 304. The transmitter device 302 may include functionality of the receiver device 304, and the receiver device 304 may comprise functionality of the transmitter device 302. Further, the transmitter device 302 and/or the receiver device 304 may each be embodied in many wireless communication devices, including computers (desktop, portable, laptop, etc.), consumer electronic devices (e.g., multi-media players), compatible telecommunication devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), or any other type of network devices, such as printers, fax machines, scanners, hubs, switches, routers, set-top boxes, televisions with communication capability, etc. The transmitter device 302 comprises two modules 334 and 336. Module 334 comprises a transmit (TX) processor 306, radio circuitry 310, antenna 314, and synthesizer 342. Module 336 comprises a transmit (TX) processor 308, radio circuitry 312, antenna 316, and synthesizer 344. Although synthesizers 342 and 344 are shown separate from the radio circuitry 310 and 312, in some embodiments, the synthesizers 342 and/or 344 may be incorporated into the radio circuitry 310 and 312, respectively, among other locations.

Transmit processors 306 and 308 encode and interleave the incoming data (designated TX data1 and TX data2 at TX data rate1 and TX data rate2, respectively). Transmit processors 306 and 308 map the interleaved data into respective subcarrier channels as frequency domain symbols, and include further processing for the insertion of training signals, cyclic extensions (e.g., guard intervals), and inverse fast Fourier transformation (IFFT) and wave shaping. The processed subcarriers are provided to the radio circuitry 310 and 312, which provides filtering, modulation, and amplification functionality. Radio circuitry 310 and 312 receive reference or carrier frequency signals FREQ1 and FREQ2 from synthesizers 342 and 344, respectively, resulting in transmission of signals at distinct reference or carrier frequencies. By using separate reference or carrier frequencies, the transmitted signals can be easily separated by receive filters at the receiver device 304.

The receiver device 304 comprises modules 338 and 340. Module 338 comprises an antenna 318, radio circuitry 322 comprising receive filter 323 among other components, synthesizer 346, and receive (RX) processor 326. The receive processor 326 comprises a signal separator 380. Module 340 comprises an antenna 320, radio circuitry 324 comprising receive filter 325 among other components, synthesizer 348, and receive (RX) processor 328. The receive processor 328 comprises a signal separator 382. In some embodiments, other components may be used to separate the data subcarriers of the signals. Although synthesizers 346 and 348 are shown separate from the radio circuitry 322 and 324, in some embodiments, the synthesizers 346 and/or 348 may be incorporated into the radio circuitry 322 and 324, respectively. At the receiver device 304, the antennas 318 and 320 receive the transmitted data, and provide the same to radio circuitry 322 and 324. The synthesizers 346 and 348 provide downconversion functionality using reference or carrier frequencies FREQ1 and FREQ2, respectively, which complements the processing that occurred at radio circuitry 310 and 312. In other words, the signals transmitted from antennas 314 and 316 are separated by frequency at radio circuitry 322 and 324, respectively. With distinct frequencies of operation (FREQ1 and FREQ2), the signal separators 380 and 382 may be bypassed or disabled, since the receive filters 323 and 325 are used to receive the separate carrier frequencies and reject other channels. The corresponding downconverted signals are provided to receive processors 326 and 328 to recover the original data as RX data1 and RX data2. Receive processors 326 and 328 provide clock recovery, cyclic extension removal, transformation (e.g., fast Fourier transformation, FFT), demapping, deinterleaving, and decoding functionality.

One or more components of the BES system 300 can be implemented using digital circuitry, analog circuitry, or a combination of both. Also, one or more components of the BES system 300 can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. If implemented in hardware, the one or more components of the BES system 300 can be implemented with any or a combination of the following technologies, which are all well known in the art: a discrete logic circuit(s) having logic gates for implementing logic functions upon data signals, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) having appropriate combinational logic gates, a programmable gate array(s) (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc.

If implemented partly or wholly in software, the one or more components of the BES system 300 can be comprised of software or firmware that is stored in a memory and that is executed by a suitable instruction execution system.

FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram that illustrates exemplary spectrums for OFDM symbols of the BES system 300 shown in FIG. 3A. As shown, the OFDM symbols 330 and 332 comprise subcarriers of equal bandwidth (BW) (e.g., 20 mega-Hertz (MHz) each), but at distinct reference or carrier frequencies (FREQ1 and FREQ2) as opposed to the conventional mechanisms of using the same reference or carrier frequency.

FIGS. 3C-3D are schematic diagrams that illustrate exemplary adjacent and non-adjacent spectrums, respectively, of the BES system 300 shown in FIG. 3A. FIG. 3C illustrates adjacent spectrums 350 a and 350 b (or channels) as generated during the processing of the received signals at the receiver device 304 (FIG. 3A). FIG. 3D illustrates non-adjacent frequency spectrums 352 a and 352 b (or channels) as generated during the processing of the received signals at the receiver device 304. The bandwidth of such spectrums 352 a, 352 b can be much greater than, for example, 20 MHz. Such an expanded bandwidth technique may provide several benefits, such as finding a free or available channel (since there is no requirement that the channels be adjacent). Further, in proposals to the proposed 802.11n standard, 40 MHz systems are contemplated. In such an environment, it may be difficult to find a contiguous 40 MHz channel bandwidth. By providing the ability to implement non-adjacent channels, the new proposed standard can be accommodated as well.

Both frequency spectrums 350 a, 350 b and 352 a, 352 b reveal non-overlapping, non-interfering spectrums that result in a multi-fold increase in the data rate (e.g., by using multiple 20 MHz channels, a doubling of the bandwidth can result in a two-fold increase in data rate). In other words, the BES system 300 (FIG. 3B) has increased the data rate by transmitting the OFDM symbols side by side (separate channels). Further, in this implementation, the operation of a signal separators 380 and 382 is not needed (since by definition, signals at distinct frequencies are separate). Also, by implementing expanded bandwidth techniques, the signaling overhead used to train a signal separator can be eliminated.

FIGS. 4-6 illustrate the flexibility the embodiments of a BES system (similar to BES system 300, FIG. 3) can provide. Such different configurations may be manually configured based upon a known user need, or automatically configured based upon operational conditions (e.g., number of users, signal-to-noise ratio, multipath environment, interference, country where used, etc.). A media access controller (MAC, not shown) may determine the mode of operation (spatial, extended bandwidth, combinations), or in some embodiments, the controlling application (e.g., multi-media player control processor) may control the mode of operation. For example, FIG. 4 illustrates a frequency spectrum 400 corresponding to a 4×4 MIMO spatial multiplexing BES system operating in a 20 MHz channel, implemented using fourth order spatial multiplexing and first order expanded bandwidth. In other words, the data rate is increase above the base rate (e.g., 20 MHz channels), and is achieved using only spatial multiplexing and no bandwidth expansion (e.g., greater than 20 MHz). In one embodiment, a BES system can be implemented using 2×2 spatial multiplexing distributed across two 20 MHz channels, as shown in FIG. 5 as a second order spatial multiplexing, second order expanded bandwidth spectrum 500. For the configurations shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the signal separators 380 and 382 (FIG. 3A) are operational since multiple signals are occupying the same frequency channel and thus self-interfering. For example, for the second order spatial multiplexing configuration shown in FIG. 5, the signal separators 380 and 382 separate two signals. For the fourth order spatial multiplexing configuration shown in FIG. 4, the signal separators 380 and 382 separate four signals. In one embodiment, a BES system can be implemented using first order spatial multiplexing and fourth order expanded bandwidth spectrum 600, as shown in FIG. 6. In such a configuration, the signal separators 380 and 382 need not be operational, and thus training signals corresponding to the operation of the signal separators 380 and 382 can be bypassed.

Note that in some embodiments, gap filling may be provided between two spectrums with extra subcarriers, which may increase the composite data rate. For example, referring to FIG. 3C, subcarriers may fill in the gap between spectrums 350 a and 350 b.

Although described in the context of distinct synthesizers for each respective radio, in some embodiments, a single, adjustable synthesizer may be used for multiple transmit modules or multiple receiver modules.

As will be appreciated from the above description, one embodiment of a BES method 300 a is illustrated in FIG. 7. Any process descriptions or blocks in flow charts should be understood as representing modules, segments, or portions of code which include one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or steps in the process, and alternate implementations are included within the scope of the preferred embodiment of the present invention in which functions may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 7, the BES method 300 a comprises providing spatial multiplexing and expanded bandwidth signaling for a plurality of data (702), and transmitting the plurality of data from a first transmit antenna and a second transmit antenna (704). It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure, particularly, any “preferred” embodiments, are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosed systems and methods. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantially in scope. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure. 

1-25. (canceled)
 26. A method comprising: selectively transmitting in a first mode and a second mode, wherein transmitting in the first mode comprises transmitting symbols from at least two transmitters in a MIMO spatial multiplexed mode by operating on separate data streams and generating separate transmit symbols for transmission in the same frequency band over separate antennas; and wherein transmitting in the second mode comprises transmitting symbols from at least two transmitters in a frequency division mode by operating on the separate data streams and generating separate transmit symbols for transmission in a plurality of non-overlapping frequency channels, wherein each frequency channel comprises a plurality of frequency subbands.
 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the at least two transmitters are configured to modulate and transmit symbols during the same period of time.
 28. The method of claim 26, wherein when transmitting in the first mode, each of the at least two transmitters are configured to modulate and to transmit symbols within the same frequency channel.
 29. The method of claim 26, wherein when transmitting in the second mode the at least two transmitters are configured to modulate and to transmit symbols in adjacent frequency channels.
 30. The method of claim 27, wherein when transmitting in the second mode the at least two transmitters are configured to modulate and to transmit symbols in non-adjacent frequency channels.
 31. A method comprising: selectively receiving in a first mode and a second mode, wherein receiving in the first mode comprises receiving symbols with at least two receivers in a MIMO spatial multiplexed mode by receiving data signals located in the same frequency band, and wherein both received data signals are received via at least two separate antennas; and wherein receiving in the second mode comprises receiving symbols with at least two receivers in a frequency division mode by receiving data signals located in non-overlapping frequency channels, wherein each frequency channel comprises a plurality of frequency subbands.
 32. The method of claim 31, wherein the at least two receivers are configured to modulate and transmit symbols during the same period of time.
 33. The method of claim 31, wherein when receiving in the first mode each of the at least two receivers are configured to jointly operate on separate received data signals located within the same frequency channel.
 34. The method of claim 31, wherein when receiving in the second mode the at least two receivers are configured to jointly operate on separate received data signals located in adjacent frequency channels.
 35. The method of claim 31, wherein when receiving in the second mode the at least two receivers are configured to jointly operate on separate received data signals located in non-adjacent frequency channels.
 36. An article of manufacture including a computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon that, upon execution by a computing device, cause the computing device to perform the operations comprising: selectively transmitting in a first mode and a second mode, wherein transmitting in the first mode comprises transmitting symbols from at least two transmitters in a MIMO spatial multiplexed mode by operating on separate data streams and generating separate transmit symbols for transmission in the same frequency band over separate antennas; and wherein transmitting in the second mode comprises transmitting symbols from at least two transmitters in a frequency division mode by operating on the separate data streams and generating separate transmit symbols for transmission in a plurality of non-overlapping frequency channels, wherein each frequency channel comprises a plurality of frequency subbands.
 37. The article of manufacture of claim 36, wherein the instructions, upon execution by a computing device, cause the computing device to perform the operation comprising transmitting symbols from the at least two transmitters during the same period of time.
 38. The article of manufacture of claim 36, wherein the instructions, upon execution by a computing device, cause the computing device to perform the operation comprising, when transmitting in the first mode, each of the at least two transmitters are configured to modulate and to transmit symbols within the same frequency channel.
 39. The article of manufacture of claim 36, wherein the instructions, upon execution by a computing device, cause the computing device to perform the operation comprising, when transmitting in the second mode, the at least two transmitters are configured to modulate and to transmit symbols in adjacent frequency channels.
 40. The article of manufacture of claim 36, wherein the instructions, upon execution by a computing device, cause the computing device to perform the operation comprising, when transmitting in the second mode, the at least two transmitters are configured to modulate and to transmit symbols in non-adjacent frequency channels.
 41. An article of manufacture including a computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon that, upon execution by a computing device, cause the computing device to perform the operations comprising: selectively receiving in a first mode and a second mode, wherein receiving in the first mode comprises receiving symbols with at least two receivers in a MIMO spatial multiplexed mode by receiving data signals located in the same frequency band, and wherein both received data signals are received via at least two separate antennas; and wherein receiving in the second mode comprises receiving symbols with at least two receivers in a frequency division mode by receiving data signals located in non-overlapping frequency channels, wherein each frequency channel comprises a plurality of frequency subbands.
 42. The article of manufacture of claim 41, wherein the instructions, upon execution by a computing device, cause the computing device to perform the operation comprising receiving symbols with the at least two receivers during the same period of time.
 43. The article of manufacture of claim 41, wherein the instructions, upon execution by a computing device, cause the computing device to perform the operation comprising, when receiving in the first mode, each of the at least two receivers are configured to jointly operate on separate received data signals located within the same frequency channel.
 44. The article of manufacture of claim 41, wherein the instructions, upon execution by a computing device, cause the computing device to perform the operation comprising, when receiving in the second mode, the at least two receivers are configured to jointly operate on separate received data signals located in adjacent frequency channels.
 45. The article of manufacture of claim 41, wherein the instructions, upon execution by a computing device, cause the computing device to perform the operation comprising, when receiving in the second mode, the at least two receivers are configured to jointly operate on separate received data signals located in non-adjacent frequency channels. 